Rwanda's Cabinet has approved the Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) Policy Framework, a milestone attainment in pursuing sustainable development and green economic growth.

The SPP framework will focus on promoting environmental sustainability while encouraging social inclusion and enhancing economic efficiency.

It puts Rwanda at the forefront of responsible procurement practices in Africa, reflecting the country’s commitment to integrating environmental, social, and economic sustainability considerations into public procurement processes.

The framework is projected to enable public institutions to make more informed purchasing decisions that not only consider the price and quality of goods, services, and works but also take into account their environmental and social impacts.

Rwanda Public Procurement Authority (RPPA) Director General Joyeuse Uwingeneye indicated that the approval of the Sustainable Public Procurement Policy Framework expresses the Government of Rwanda’s vision for a greener and more inclusive economy.

"This further marks a significant step toward the Government of Rwanda’s efforts to integrate sustainability into all aspects of Governance. By leveraging the public procurement system, Rwanda aims to stimulate the market for green products, create new jobs in the green economy, and contribute to global climate goals,” said Uwingeneye in a press conference on October 25.

The SPP framework also aligns perfectly with Rwanda’s broader strategic goals such as Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1), as well as international commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Arthur Germond, the Country Director of AFD in Rwanda, lauded the Government of Rwanda and RPPA for this policy, saying "AFD Group will further its support to the Rwanda Public Procurement Authority in piloting and rolling out the SPP reform, ensuring that the reform benefits the Rwandan economy at large."